ERROR DETECTION ON INTEGRATED CIRCUIT INPUT/OUTPUT PINS

Description

BACKGROUND

1. FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of integrated circuits. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to the field of error detection on integrated circuit input/output pins.

2. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0002] Integrated circuits include processors and microprocessors such as microcontrollers. Microcontrollers have pins which can become stuck, or which can be misaddressed in, for example, an analog input mode. Conventionally, 2 channels are used to detect stuck pins or misaddressing so as to invoke protection.

[0003] US2002/0135391, US2008/0265262, US2011/0148429 and US2011/0234105 show different manner for monitoring an output value using a feedback loop. Such feedbackloop are part of an integrated circuit providing the output value. US 2007/0143047 A1 discloses methods and apparatuses for testing the resistance load in circuit assemblies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention provides a solution to pin stuck detection on input/output pin of an integrated circuit including a microprocessor. The input/output pin of the integrated circuit being linked to an input node. The input node receives an input signal through at least one resistor and is connected to a reference voltage through a second resistor and to zero volt through a third resistor. The invention is defined by the independent method claim 1 and the independent apparatus claim 9.

[0005] Additional features are defined by the dependent claims 2-8 and 10-14.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] 

Figure 1 shows an exemplary electronic device that includes a driving circuit with a microprocessor with input/output pins, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 shows an exemplary circuit with a microprocessor, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

Figure 3 shows another exemplary circuit with a microprocessor, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

Figure 4 shows an exemplary circuit with a microprocessor, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

Figure 5 shows an exemplary process for error detection on integrated circuit input/output pins, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

Figure 6 shows another exemplary process for error detection on integrated circuit input/output pins, according to an aspect of the present disclosure

Figure 7 shows another exemplary process for error detection on integrated circuit input/output pins, according to an aspect of the present disclosure; and

Figure 8 shows another exemplary process for error detection on integrated circuit input/output pins, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] In view of the foregoing, the present disclosure, through one or more of its various aspects, embodiments and/or specific features or sub-components, is thus intended to bring out one or more of the advantages as specifically noted below.

[0008] The present disclosure describes a microcontroller that can perform error detection for pins. When a microcontroller is used to control a light emitting diode driving circuit to meet UL Class 2 requirements and temperature Class P requirement, the software needs to be compatible with UL 60730 compatible. The microcontroller described herein can detect if pins are stuck at high level or low level, and if analog input multiplexer addressing is wrong. When errors are detected, protection can be triggered. The disclosure contained herein describes, for example, how to detect a stuck input/output pin configured for digital output, as well as wrong multiplexer addressing for analog input pin.

[0009] Methods described herein are illustrative examples, and as such are not intended to require or imply that any particular process of any embodiment be performed in the order presented. Words such as "thereafter," "then," "next," etc. are not intended to limit the order of the processes, and these words are instead used to guide the reader through the description of the methods. Further, any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles "a," "an" or "the", is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular.

[0010] Additionally, terms such as microprocessor and microcontroller may be used interchangeably herein. In the absence of explanations distinguishing such terms, similar and comparable terms such as these should be considered equivalent for the purposes of the explanations provided herein. In the example of a microprocessor, any microprocessor described herein may also be, for example, a microprocessor chip, or a controller.

[0011] Figure 1 shows an exemplary electronic device that includes a driving circuit with a microprocessor. In Figure 1, the electronic device 10 is a device that includes a microprocessor 140. The microprocessor 140 in Figure 1 is shown as part of a driving circuit, for driving loads imposed by light emitting diode(s) 199.

[0012] An example of the electronic device 10 is a device that includes light emitting diodes driven by a driving circuit. The driving circuit may be designed to comply with UL Class 2 LED Driver requirements, and can help ensure that parameters of the driving circuit meet such requirements. Such a driving circuit may include a primary control section and an output section isolated in at least one aspect from the primary control section.

[0013] Electronic device 10 may be, for example, a lighting fixture, an entertainment display, a communications device, and more. Such devices can also include electronic devices with memory and additional microprocessors beyond the microprocessor 100 specific to the output section 100b of the driving circuit 100. Such devices may operate as standalone devices or may be connected, for example, using a network, to other devices or systems.

[0014] The electronic device 10 can be incorporated as or in a particular device that in turn is in an integrated system that includes additional devices. In a particular embodiment, the electronic device 10 can be implemented using electronic devices that provide voice, video or data communication. Further, while a single electronic device 10 is illustrated, the electronic device 10 maybe included in a "system" that includes any collection of systems or sub-systems that individually or jointly execute a set, or multiple sets, of instructions to perform one or more computer software functions.

[0015] A microprocessor as described herein is tangible and non-transitory. As used herein, the term "non-transitory" is to be interpreted not as an eternal characteristic of a state, but as a characteristic of a state that will last for a period of time. The term "non-transitory" specifically disavows fleeting characteristics such as characteristics of a particular carrier wave or signal or other forms that exist only transitorily in any place at any time. A microprocessor is an article of manufacture and/or a machine component. A microprocessor for an electronic device 10 is configured to execute software instructions in order to perform functions as described in the various embodiments herein. A microprocessor for an electronic device 10 maybe a general purpose microprocessor or maybe part of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Additionally, any microprocessor described herein may include multiple microprocessors, parallel microprocessors, or both. Multiple microprocessors may be included in, or coupled to, a single device or multiple devices.

[0016] Moreover, devices described herein may include storage such as a memory. Memories described herein are tangible storage mediums that can store data and executable instructions, and are non-transitory during the time instructions are stored therein. A memory described herein is an article of manufacture and/or machine component. Memories described herein are computer-readable mediums from which data and executable instructions can be read by a processor. Memories as described herein may be random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash memory, electrically programmable read only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), registers, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. Memories may be volatile or non-volatile, secure and/or encrypted, unsecure and/or unencrypted.

[0017] In a particular embodiment, a device described herein may include a computer-readable medium in which one or more sets of instructions, for example, software, can be embedded. Sets of instructions can be read from the computer-readable medium. Further, the instructions, when executed by a microprocessor, can be used to perform one or more of the methods and processes as described herein. In a particular embodiment, the instructions may reside completely, or at least partially, within a separate memory, and/or within the microprocessor during execution by a device.

[0018] In an alternative embodiment, dedicated hardware implementations, such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic arrays and other hardware components, can be constructed to implement one or more of the methods described herein. One or more embodiments described herein may implement functions using two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and data signals that can be communicated between and through the modules. Accordingly, the present disclosure encompasses software, firmware, and hardware implementations. Nothing in the present application should be interpreted as being implemented or implementable solely with software and not hardware such as a tangible non-transitory microprocessor and/or memory.

[0019] In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, the methods described herein may be implemented using a microprocessor that executes software programs. Further, in an exemplary, non-limited embodiment, implementations can include distributed processing, component/object distributed processing, and parallel processing.

[0020] Figure 2 shows an exemplary circuit with a microprocessor, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. In Figure 2, the microcontroller 240 is a microprocessor with a pin stuck for analog input. The circuit includes three resistors including R1 202, R2 204 and R3 206. Vin is input via R1. To detect the stuck analog input pin, an offset voltage is added to the analog input, and the input range is scaled down. A valid range for Vin may be zero (0) to Vref. When input voltage Vin is within a valid range, the voltage range at the analog input pin will be from Voffset1 to Vref minus (-) Voffset2. When the analog input pin is stuck to a high level, the measured voltage will be equal to or close to Vref. When the analog input pin is stuck to a low level, the measured voltage will be equal or close to zero. Therefore, the microprocessor can perform a process of checking measured voltage levels via the analog input pin, and identifying when a pin is stuck by determining when measured voltage is at or approximately Vref or zero.

[0021] Figure 3 shows another exemplary circuit with a microprocessor, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. In the embodiment of Figure 3, a microcontroller 340 is provide in a circuit with an opto-coupler 318, three resistors including R4 308, R5 310 and R6 312, a capacitor C1 320, and a transistor Q1 316.

[0022] In the embodiment of Figure 3, a digital output pin that is stuck can be detected. When the digital output is to be set high, the microprocessor 340 will set the digital output pin to a high level with a very narrow low level pulse. In the embodiment of Figure 3, a narrow low level pulse is used instead of continuously setting the pin to the high level. The microprocessor then reads back from the pin while the narrow low level pulse is in process to detect if the digital output pin is stuck.

[0023] When the digital output is to be set low, the microprocessor 340 will set the digital output pin to a low level with a very narrow high level pulse. In the embodiment of Figure 3, a narrow high level pulse is used for this purpose instead of continuously setting the pin to the low level. The microprocessor then reads back from the pin while the narrow high level pulse is in process to detect if the digital output pin is stuck.

[0024] Additionally, in Figure 3, an external filter circuit as shown by the circuitry around the microprocessor 340 filters the output narrow low level pulse or output narrow high level pulse as a hardware protection circuit to protect other hardware. Alternatively, a circuit driven by the digital output pin can be designed in a way so as not to respond to a narrow low level pulse.

[0025] Figure 4 shows another exemplary circuit with a microprocessor, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. In Figure 4, wrong multiplexer addressing is detected for an analog input pin. In Figure 4, the circuit includes four resistors including R1 402, R2 404, R5 410 and R7 414. The circuit also includes capacitor C3 and microcontroller 440

[0026] In the embodiment of Figure 4, after an analog input is converted via analog to digital conversion, the microcontroller 440 reconfigured to analog input pin for digital output. The microcontroller then sets the pin to either a high level or a low level depending on the value of the received analog input. That is, the microcontroller sets the value to be different than the received analog input.

[0027] In the embodiment of Figure 4, after setting the reconfigured digital output pin to a level different from the value of the analog input received before the reconfiguration, the invented method is: after completing ADC conversion, the microcontroller configures the pin to digital output and sets the pin to high or low level. After setting the level of the pin, the capacitor C2 is connected to the pin to maintain the voltage for a short time, insofar as the voltage at the pin reflects the value set by the microcontroller. The short time may be a predetermined period. During the short time, the microcontroller is reconfigured for analog input. The reconfigured analog pin then measures input voltage, which is the voltage maintained by the capacitor. If the voltage follows the digital output value set by the microprocessor 440, the addressing of the channel for the pin is correct in the analog input mode. Otherwise, the addressing for the pin in the analog input mode is determined to be incorrect.

[0028] Figure 5 shows an exemplary process for error detection on integrated circuit input/output pins, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. In Figure 5, an overview of the error detection methods described herein is shown. This overview applied to multiple different embodiments described herein.

[0029] At S505, an input/output pin of an integrated circuit is used in a first mode. This first mode may be described, for example, as the normal mode, or the mode for which the input/output pin is configured. At S510, a test mode starts. The test mode may be started at S510 after each instance of using the input/output pin in the first mode. For example, the test mode may be used after each of a set (e.g., 5) of instances of using the input/output pin the first mode.

[0030] At S515, the input/output pin is toggled. The toggling at S515 may mark the beginning of the test mode, or may be considered the first operation in the test mode. At S520, the input/output pin is tested. At S525 an error is identified. After identifying an error at S525, the process returns to S505 where the input/output pin is used in the first mode again.

[0031] Toggling at S515 may be performed by changing a value set for the input/output pin. Alternatively, toggling at S515 may be performed by reconfiguring the functionality of the input/output pin, such as by reconfiguring an input/output pin being used for analog input to a use for digital output.

[0032] Additionally, although the overview shown in Figure 5 shows the process returning to the first mode (normal use) at S505 after identifying an error at S525, the process may involve numerous alternative intermediate steps before returning to the first mode (normal use). For example, the integrated circuit that contains the input/output pin may be shut off, a circuit that contains the integrated circuit may be shut off, or a device that contains a circuit that contains the integrated circuit may be shut off. Additionally, an alarm or indicator warning of the error may be set to warn a user of the error. In some circumstances, a remedial action may be taken automatically to provide a remedy for an error, such as by sending a pulse to reset a pin. In any event, Figure 5 is an overview of the process, and does not show details that happen between major stages of the process described herein.

[0033] Figure 6 shows another exemplary process for error detection on integrated circuit input/output pins, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The embodiment of Figure 6 corresponds to both the circuits shown in Figure 3 and in Figure 4, and starts with using an input/output pin in a first mode at S605. At S610, a test mode starts, and at S615 an input/output pin is toggled. At S620, a second, disparate value from the previous setting is newly set. At S625, a resulting value is received back, and at S630 the resulting value is measured. At S635 the error is identified based on the actions taken from S615 to S630. Afterwards (later) the process returns to the first mode (normal use) at S605.

[0034] Providing a second, disparate value at S620 may be performed in several different ways. For instance, value set by a received signal may be identified, so that the pin can be set with a different level at S620. Alternatively, a previous value set for an input/output pin configured for output may be considered a first value, and the second, disparate value may be set to ensure that the pin is not stuck at the previous (first) level.

[0035] Additionally, the actions at S625 and S630 maybe performed in several different ways. For instance, a pin may be set with a level, and then the level can be immediately read to ensure that the pin correctly reflects the intended setting. The pin may be set to a second, disparate level by an output pulse and then immediately read back, or may be set to a second, disparate level and then used to charge a capacitor which is then immediately read back. In any event, the activities at S625 and S635 are performed using the input/output pin in question, and not two pins in these embodiments.

[0036] Figure 7 shows another exemplary process for error detection on integrated circuit input/output pins, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. In Figure 7, the process starts at S705 when an input/output pin is used in a first mode. At S710 the test mode starts. At S715, the input/output pin is toggled, and at S717 the pin is set to a second, disparate value. At S720, the second value is provided via an output pulse. In the embodiment of Figure 7, the actions at S715 to S735 are to identify whether a pin configured for digital input is stuck at a level.

[0037] The output pulse is set very narrow, and is low level if the pin is to be set to a high level, and is high level if the pin is to be set to a low level. At S722, the output pulse is externally filtered. The output pulse is filtered in the manner explained with respect to Figure 3, in order to protect other hardware in the circuit that includes the microprocessor with the pin in question.

[0038] At S725 the set value is read back as a resulting value. At S732, the resulting value is compared with the second value. If the resulting value is the second value (S732 = Yes), no error is identified, and the input/output pin is again used in the first mode at S705. On the other hand, if the resulting value does not equal the second value, then the pin is diagnosed as being stuck at the previous level.

[0039] Figure 8 shows another exemplary process for error detection on integrated circuit input/output pins, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. In Figure 8, an analog input is received at S802 and converted to a first value via an analog to digital converter. At S805, the first value is read.

[0040] At S810, the test mode starts. In the test mode, at S815 the input/output pin is reconfigured for digital output. For this embodiment, the toggling described earlier includes this reconfiguration.

[0041] At S820, a second, disparate value is set the digital output value at the input/output pin. At S822, the capacitor is connected to the input/output pin and charged or discharged to maintain the voltage value of the input/output pin. As described earlier, the voltage value of the input/output pin reflects the value set for the input/output pin.

[0042] At S824, the input/output pin is reconfigured for analog input. At S825, the voltage level of the capacitor is measured. The measured voltage level of the capacitor is effectively the voltage level of the input/output pin. At S830, the resulting value is obtained from the measured voltage level. At S832, a comparison is made as to whether the resulting level is the second value set at S820. If the resultant value is not the second value (S832 = No) then the error is identified at S835. If the resultant value is the second value (S832 = Yes), then there is no error and the process returns to S802 where the analog input is received and converted via an analog to digital converter.

[0043] After the error is identified at S835, the microprocessor may be shut down. As described previously, a circuit that includes the microprocessor maybe shut down, or a device that includes such a circuit may even be shut down. Additionally, while a computer-readable medium is described generally as a single medium, the term "computer-readable medium" includes a single medium or multiple media that store one or more sets of instructions. The term "computer-readable medium" shall also include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by a microprocessor or that cause a computer system to perform any one or more of the methods or operations disclosed herein.

[0044] Although the present specification describes components and functions that may be implemented in particular embodiments with reference to particular standards and protocols, the disclosure is not limited to such standards and protocols. For example, standards such as UL 60730 represent examples of the state of the art. Such standards are periodically superseded by more efficient equivalents having essentially the same functions. Accordingly, replacement standards and protocols having the same or similar functions are considered equivalents thereof.

[0045] The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of the disclosure described herein. Many other embodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from the disclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may be exaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Accordingly, the disclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0046] One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term "invention" merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any particular invention or inventive concept. Moreover, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the description.

[0047] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a method for detecting error on an input/output (IO) pin of an integrated circuit includes using the input/output pin of the integrated circuit in a first mode by receiving or sending a first value as analog data or digital data. The method also includes toggling the input/output pin in a test mode after instances of using the input/output pin in the first mode. The test mode includes providing a second value disparate from the first value during a set time after using the input/output pin in the first mode, receiving back during the set time a resulting value based on providing the second value, measuring the resulting value, and identifying an error on the input/output pin of the integrated circuit based on the measured resulting value.

[0048] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the method includes outputting a pulse to provide the second value as an output pulse value at an output of the integrated circuit in the test mode. The method also includes reading the output pulse internally to receive back the resulting value by obtaining the output pulse value, measuring the output pulse value as the measured resulting value; and comparing the output pulse value read from the output with the second value. The identified error is identified based on the comparing.

[0049] According to still another aspect of the present disclosure the using the input/output pin in the first mode includes reading the first value from a first received analog input from the input/output pin after conversion by an analog to digital converter. The toggling in the test mode includes reconfiguring the input/output pin first for digital output in the test mode after receiving the first received analog input. The providing includes setting the second value as a digital output value for output from the input/output pin reconfigured for digital output in the test mode during the set time. The method also includes charging or discharging a capacitor at the input/output pin reconfigured for digital output in the test mode to maintain a voltage level after setting the second value as the digital output value during the set time. The method also includes reconfiguring the input/output pin second for analog input again in the test mode after setting the second value as the digital output value during the set time. The voltage level is measured at the input/output pin to obtain the measured resulting value after conversion by the analog to digital converter. The measured resulting value obtained from the input/output pin is compared with the second value. The identified error is identified based on the comparing.

[0050] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the integrated circuit includes a microcontroller used to control a light emitting diode driving circuit.

[0051] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the light emitting diode driving circuit complies with class 2 requirements for light emitting diodes. The microcontroller complies with an Underwriter Laboratories 60730 standard.

[0052] According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, the identified error indicates that the input/output pin is stuck in a HIGH level or a LOW level when the input/output pin is used as a digital output pin. Pulses are used to set the input/output pin to an opposite level.

[0053] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the method includes setting the input/output pin to the HIGH level from a LOW level using one of the pulses,
reading back the resulting value, and identifying that the input/output pin is stuck in the LOW level based on the resulting value.

[0054] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the method includes
setting the input/output pin to the LOW level from a HIGH level using one of the pulses,
reading back the resulting value; and identifying that the input/output pin is stuck in the HIGH level based on the measured resulting value.

[0055] According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, the identified error indicates that analog input multiplexer addressing is erroneous.

[0056] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the method includes converting the first received analog input and the measured voltage level to digital output using the analog to digital converter; and setting the input/output pin reconfigured first for digital output to a HIGH level or a LOW level. The capacitor is connected to the input/output pin reconfigured for digital output to maintain the voltage level during the set time.

[0057] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the method includes determining whether the measured voltage level at the input/output pin maintained by the capacitor indicates that the input/output pin is set to the HIGH level or the LOW level. The method also includes identifying an analog input multiplexer addressing error based on the determination and the comparing.

[0058] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a light emitting diode driving circuit includes a primary control section and an output section isolated from the primary control section. The output section includes a microprocessor that is operable to execute instructions to detect errors on an input/output (IO) pin of the microprocessor. When executed by the microprocessor, the instructions cause the light emitting diode driving circuit to perform a process that includes using the input/output pin of the microprocessor in a first mode by receiving or sending a first value as analog data or digital data. The process also includes toggling the input/output pin in a test mode after instances of using the input/output pin in the first mode. The test mode includes providing a second value disparate from the first value during a set time after using the input/output pin in the first mode, receiving back during the set time a resulting value based on providing the second value, measuring the resulting value, and identifying an error on the input/output pin of the microprocessor based on the measured resulting value.

[0059] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first mode is a mode in which the microprocessor is primarily used.

[0060] According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, the input/output pin is configured for digital output, and the toggling includes changing a level of the input/output pin configured for digital output to a HIGH level or a LOW level based on the second value.

[0061] According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, the input/output pin is configured for analog input in the first mode, and the toggling comprises reconfiguring the input/output pin from being configured for analog input to being configured for digital output.

Claims

1. A method for detecting error on an input/output pin of an integrated circuit by a microprocessor of said integrated circuit, the input/output pin of the integrated circuit being linked to an input node and to an input/output node of the microprocessor, wherein the input node receives in input mode an input signal (Vin) through at least one resistor (R1, 202, 402) and wherein the input node is connected to a reference voltage (Vref) through a second resistor (R2, 204, 404) and to zero volt through a third resistor (R3, 206, R5, 410), the method comprising:

using (S505, S605, S805) the input/output pin of the integrated circuit in input mode by receiving a first value as analog data or digital data; and

toggling (S510, S610, S810) the input/output pin of the integrated circuit in a test mode after each of a plurality of instances of using the input/output pin of the integrated circuit in the input mode,

wherein the test mode comprises using the input/output pin of the integrated circuit as an output (S515, S615, S815) providing a second value (S520, S620, S820) disparate from the first value during a set time after using the input/output pin of the integrated circuit in the input mode, receiving back (S520, S625, S822, S824) during the set time a resulting value based on providing the second value, measuring the resulting value (S630, S825), and identifying an error (S525, S635, S835) on the input/output pin of the integrated circuit based on the measured resulting value.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

outputting a pulse to provide the second value as an output pulse value at the input/output pin of the integrated circuit used as output of the integrated circuit in the test mode;

reading the output pulse internally to receive back the resulting value by obtaining the output pulse value;

measuring the output pulse value as the measured resulting value; and

comparing the output pulse value read from the output with the second value,

wherein the identified error is identified based on the comparing.

3. The method of claim 1,
wherein the using the input/output pin of the integrated circuit in the first mode comprises reading the first value from a first received analog input from the input/output pin of the integrated circuit after conversion by an analog to digital converter;
wherein the toggling in the test mode comprises reconfiguring the input/output pin of the integrated circuit first for digital output in the test mode after receiving the first received analog input; and wherein the providing comprises setting the second value as a digital output value for output from the input/output pin of the integrated circuit reconfigured for digital output in the test mode during the set time;
wherein the method further comprises:

charging or discharging a capacitor at the input/output pin of the integrated circuit reconfigured for digital output in the test mode to maintain a voltage level after setting the second value as the digital output value during the set time;

reconfiguring the input/output pin of the integrated circuit second for analog input again in the test mode after setting the second value as the digital output value during the set time;

measuring the voltage level at the input/output pin of the integrated circuit to obtain the measured resulting value after conversion by the analog to digital converter, and

comparing the measured resulting value obtained from the input/output pin of the integrated circuit with the second value,

wherein the identified error is identified based on the comparing.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the integrated circuit comprises a microcontroller, used to control a light emitting diode driving circuit.

5. The method of claim 4,
wherein the light emitting diode driving circuit complies with class 2 requirements for light emitting diodes, and
wherein the microcontroller complies with an Underwriter Laboratories 60730 standard.

6. The method of claim 3,
wherein the identified error indicates that analog input multiplexer addressing is erroneous.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising:

converting the first received analog input and the measured voltage level to digital output using the analog to digital converter; and

setting the input/output pin of the integrated circuit reconfigured first for digital output to a HIGH level or a LOW level,

wherein the capacitor is connected to the input/output pin of the integrated circuit reconfigured for digital output to maintain the voltage level during the set time.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising:

determining whether the measured voltage level at the input/output pin of the integrated circuit maintained by the capacitor indicates that the input/output pin is set to the HIGH level or the LOW level, and

identifying an analog input multiplexer addressing error based on the determination and the comparing.

9. A control circuit for a light emitting diode driving circuit, the control circuit being comprised in an integrated circuit,

- wherein the integrated circuit includes the light emitting diode driving circuit and the control circuit comprises a microprocessor operable to execute instructions to detect errors on an input/output pin of the integrated circuit, the input/output pin of the integrated circuit being linked to an input node and to an input/output pin of the microprocessor,

- a first resistor (R1, 202, 402) connected to the input node and receiving an input signal (Vin) in an input mode,

- a second resistor (R2, 204, 404) connected between a reference voltage (Vref) and the input node

- a third resistor (R3, 206, R5, 410) connected between a zero voltage and the input node, wherein, when executed by the microprocessor, the instructions cause the light emitting diode driving circuit to perform a process comprising:

using the input/output pin of the integrated circuit in the input mode by receiving a first value as analog data or digital data; and

toggling the input/output pin of the integrated circuit in a test mode after each of a plurality of instances of using the input/output pin of the integrated circuit in the first mode, wherein the test mode comprises using the input/output pin of the integrated circuit as an output providing a second value disparate from the first value during a set time after using the input/output pin of the integrated circuit in the input mode, receiving back during the set time a resulting value based on providing the second value, measuring the resulting value, and identifying an error on the input/output pin of the microprocessor based on the measured resulting value.

10. The control circuit of claim 9,
wherein the input mode is a mode in which the integrated circuit is primarily used.

11. The control circuit of claim 9,
wherein the input/output pin of the integrated circuit is configured for analog input in the first mode, and
wherein the toggling comprises reconfiguring the input/output pin of the integrated circuit from being configured for analog input to being configured for digital output.

12. The control circuit of claim 9, wherein the control circuit further comprises a fourth resistor (R7, 422) linking the input/output pin of the integrated circuit to the input node.

13. The control circuit of claim 9, wherein the control circuit further comprises a capacitor (C2, 422) connected in parallel with the third resistor (R5, 410).

14. The control circuit of claim 9, wherein said control circuit is in an output section of the light emitting diode driving circuit and the light emitting driving circuit has a primary control section and the output section isolated from the primary control section.

Ansprüche

1. Verfahren zum Detektieren eines Fehlers auf einem Eingangs-/Ausgangspin einer integrierten Schaltung durch einen Mikroprozessor dieser integrierten Schaltung, wobei der Eingangs-/Ausgangspin der integrierten Schaltung mit einem Eingangsknoten und mit einem Eingangs-/Ausgangsknoten des Mikroprozessors verbunden ist, wobei der Eingangsknoten im Eingangsmodus ein Eingangssignal (Vin) durch mindestens einen Widerstand (R1, 202, 402) empfängt, und wobei der Eingangsknoten an eine Referenzspannung (Vref) durch einen zweiten Widerstand (R2, 204, 404) und an null Volt durch einen dritten Widerstand (R3, 206, R5, 410) angeschlossen ist, wobei das Verfahren beinhaltet, dass:

der Eingangs-/Ausgangspin der integrierten Schaltung im Eingangsmodus durch Empfangen eines ersten Wertes als Analogdaten oder Digitaldaten verwendet wird (S505, S605, S805); und

der Eingangs-/Ausgangspin der integrierten Schaltung nach jeder mehrerer Instanzen der Verwendung des Eingangs-/Ausgangspins der integrierten Schaltung in dem Eingangsmodus in einem Testmodus getoggelt wird (S510, S610, S810),

wobei der Testmodus das Verwenden des Eingangs-/Ausgangspins der integrierten Schaltung als einen Ausgang (S515, S615, S815), das Bereitstellen eines von dem ersten Wert verschiedenen zweiten Wertes (S520, S620, S820) während einer vorgegebenen Zeit nach Verwenden des Eingangs-/Ausgangspins der integrierten Schaltung in dem Eingangsmodus, das Zurückerhalten (S520, S625, S822, S824) eines sich aufgrund des Bereitstellens des zweiten Wertes ergebenden Wertes während der vorgegebenen Zeit, das Messen (S630, S825) des sich ergebenden Wertes sowie das Identifizieren (S525, S635, S835) eines Fehlers auf dem Eingangs-/Ausgangspin der integrierten Schaltung aufgrund des gemessenen resultierenden Wertes beinhaltet.

2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, das weiterhin beinhaltet, dass:

ein Impuls abgegeben wird, um den zweiten Wert als einen Ausgangsimpulswert an dem Eingangs-/Ausgangspin der integrierten Schaltung, der als Ausgabe der integrierten Schaltung in dem Testmodus verwendet wird, bereitzustellen;

der Ausgangimpuls intern gelesen wird, um den sich ergebenden Wert durch Erhalten des Ausgangsimpulswertes zurückzuerhalten;

der Ausgangsimpulswert als der gemessene resultierende Wert gemessen wird; und

der aus der Ausgabe ausgelesene Ausgangsimpulswert mit dem zweiten Wert verglichen wird,

wobei der identifizierte Fehler aufgrund des Vergleichens identifiziert wird.

3. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1,
wobei die Verwendung des Eingangs-/Ausgangspins der integrierten Schaltung in dem ersten Modus das Auslesen des ersten Wertes aus einer ersten empfangenen Analogeingabe von dem Eingangs-/Ausgangspin der integrierten Schaltung nach Umwandlung durch einen Analog-Digital-Wandler umfasst;
wobei das Toggling in dem Testmodus das Rekonfigurieren des Eingangs-/Ausgangspins der integrierten Schaltung zuerst für Digitalausgabe in dem Testmodus nach Empfangen der ersten empfangenen Analogeingabe umfasst; und
wobei das Bereitstellen das Festlegen des zweiten Wertes als einen digitalen Ausgangswert zur Ausgabe von dem Eingangs-/Ausgangspin der integrierten Schaltung, der zur Digitalausgabe in dem Testmodus während der vorgegebenen Zeit rekonfiguriert wurde, umfasst;
wobei das Verfahren weiterhin beinhaltet, dass:

ein Kondensator an dem zur Digitalausgabe in dem Testmodus rekonfigurierten Eingangs-/Ausgangspin der integrierten Schaltung geladen oder entladen wird, um einen Spannungspegel nach Festsetzen des zweiten Wertes als den digitalen Ausgangswert während der vorgegebenen Zeit aufrechtzuerhalten;

der Eingangs-/Ausgangspin der integrierten Schaltung zweitens für Analogeingabe in dem Testmodus nach Festlegen des zweiten Wertes als den digitalen Ausgangswert während der vorgegebenen Zeit erneut rekonfiguriert wird;

der Spannungspegel an dem Eingangs-/Ausgangspin der integrierten Schaltung gemessen wird, um den gemessenen resultierenden Wert nach Umwandlung durch den Analog-Digital-Wandler zu erhalten, und

der gemessene resultierende Wert, der von dem Eingangs-/Ausgangspin der integrierten Schaltung erhalten wird, mit dem zweiten Wert verglichen wird,

wobei der identifizierte Fehler aufgrund des Vergleichens identifiziert wird.

4. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei die integrierte Schaltung einen Mikrocontroller umfasst, der zur Steuerung einer Leuchtdioden-Ansteuerungsschaltung verwendet wird.

5. Verfahren nach Anspruch 4,
wobei die Leuchtdioden-Ansteuerungsschaltung auf Klasse 2 anwendbare Anforderungen für lichtemittierende Dioden erfüllt, und
wobei der Mikrocontroller einem ,Underwriter Laboratories 60730'-Standard entspricht.

6. Verfahren nach Anspruch 3,
wobei der identifizierte Fehler signalisiert, dass die Adressierung des Multiplexers mit Analogeingang fehlerhaft ist.

7. Verfahren nach Anspruch 6, das weiterhin beinhaltet, dass:

die erste empfangene Analogeingabe und der gemessene Spannungspegel unter Verwendung des Analog-Digital-Wandlers in eine Digitalausgabe umgewandelt werden; und

der zuerst zur Digitalausgabe rekonfigurierte Eingangs-/Ausgangspin der integrierten Schaltung auf einen HIGH-Level oder einen LOW-Level gesetzt wird,

wobei der Kondensator mit dem zur Digitalausgabe rekonfigurierten Eingangs-/Ausgangspin der integrierten Schaltung verbunden wird, um den Spannungspegel während der vorgegebenen Zeit aufrechtzuerhalten.

8. Verfahren nach Anspruch 7, das weiterhin beinhaltet, dass:

ermittelt wird, ob der durch den Kondensator aufrechterhaltene gemessene Spannungspegel an dem Eingangs-/Ausgangspin der integrierten Schaltung signalisiert, dass der Eingangs-/Ausgangspin auf den HIGH-Level oder den LOW-Level gesetzt ist, und

ein Fehler der Adressierung des Multiplexers mit Analogeingang aufgrund der Ermittlung und des Vergleichens identifiziert wird.

9. Steuerschaltkreis für eine Leuchtdioden-Ansteuerungsschaltung, wobei der Steuerschaltkreis in einer integrierten Schaltung enthalten ist,

- wobei die integrierte Schaltung eine Leuchtdioden -Ansteuerungsschaltung enthält und der Steuerschaltkreis umfasst: einen Mikroprozessor, der so eingerichtet ist, dass er Anweisungen zum Detektieren von Fehlern auf einem Eingangs-/Ausgangspin der integrierten Schaltung ausführt, wobei der Eingangs-/Ausgangspin der integrierten Schaltung mit einem Eingangsknoten und einem Eingangs-/Ausgangspin des Mikroprozessors verbunden ist,

- einen ersten Widerstand (R1, 202, 402), der mit dem Eingangsknoten verbunden ist und ein Eingangssignal (Vin) in einem Eingangsmodus empfängt,

- einen zweiten Widerstand (R2, 204, 404), der zwischen einer Referenzspannung (Vref) und dem Eingangsknoten geschaltet ist,

- einen dritten Widerstand (R2, 206, R5, 410), der zwischen einer Nullspannung und dem Eingangsknoten geschaltet ist,

wobei die Anweisungen bei Ausführung durch den Mikroprozessor die Leuchtdioden-Ansteuerungsschaltung veranlassen, einen Prozess auszuführen, wonach:

der Eingangs-/Ausgangspin der integrierten Schaltung in dem Eingangsmodus durch Empfangen eines ersten Wertes als Analogdaten oder Digitaldaten verwendet wird; und

der Eingangs-/Ausgangspin der integrierten Schaltung nach jeder mehrerer Instanzen der Verwendung des Eingangs-/Ausgangspins der integrierten Schaltung in dem ersten Modus in einem Testmodus getoggelt wird,

wobei der Testmodus das Verwenden des Eingangs-/Ausgangspins der integrierten Schaltung als einen Ausgang, das Bereitstellen eines von dem ersten Wert verschiedenen zweiten Wertes während einer vorgegebenen Zeit nach Verwenden des Eingangs-/Ausgangspins der integrierten Schaltung in dem Eingangsmodus, das Zurückerhalten eines sich aufgrund des Bereitstellens des zweiten Wertes ergebenden Wertes während der vorgegebenen Zeit, das Messen des sich ergebenden Wertes sowie das Identifizieren eines Fehlers auf dem Eingangs-/Ausgangspin des Mikroprozessors aufgrund des gemessenen resultierenden Wertes beinhaltet.

10. Steuerschaltkreis nach Anspruch 9,
wobei der Eingangsmodus ein Modus ist, in dem die integrierte Schaltung primär verwendet wird.

11. Steuerschaltkreis nach Anspruch 9,
wobei der Eingangs-/Ausgangspin der integrierten Schaltung zur Analogeingabe in dem ersten Modus konfiguriert ist, und
wobei das Toggling das Rekonfigurieren des Eingangs-/Ausgangspins der integrierten Schaltung von dem Konfigurieren für Analogeingabe auf das Konfigurieren für Digitalausgabe umfasst.

12. Steuerschaltkreis nach Anspruch 9, wobei der Steuerschaltkreis weiterhin einen vierten Widerstand (R7, 422) umfasst, der den Eingangs-/Ausgangspin der integrierten Schaltung mit dem Eingangsknoten verbindet.

13. Steuerschaltkreis nach Anspruch 9, wobei der Steuerschaltkreis weiterhin einen Kondensator (C2, 422) umfasst, der parallel zu dem dritten Widerstand (R5, 410) geschaltet ist.

14. Steuerschaltkreis nach Anspruch 9, wobei sich dieser Steuerschaltkreis in einem Ausgangsteil der Leuchtdioden-Ansteuerungsschaltung befindet und die Leuchtdioden-Ansteuerungsschaltung einen primären Steuerteil aufweist und der Ausgangsteil von dem primären Steuerteil isoliert ist.

Revendications

1. Procédé pour détecter une erreur sur une broche d'entrée/sortie d'un circuit intégré par un microprocesseur dudit circuit intégré, la broche d'entrée/sortie du circuit intégré étant reliée à un nœud d'entrée et à un nœud d'entrée/sortie du microprocesseur, dans lequel le nœud d'entrée reçoit, dans un mode d'entrée, un signal d'entrée (Vin) à travers au moins une résistance (R1, 202, 402) et dans lequel le nœud d'entrée est connecté à une tension de référence (Vref) à travers une deuxième résistance (R2, 204, 404) et à zéro volt à travers une troisième résistance (R3, 206, R5, 410), le procédé comprenant :

l'utilisation (S505, S605, S805) de la broche d'entrée/sortie du circuit intégré dans un mode d'entrée en recevant la première valeur en tant que donnée analogique ou donnée numérique ; et

la commutation (S510, S610, S810) de la broche d'entrée/sorte du circuit intégré dans un mode de test après chacune parmi une pluralité d'instances d'utilisation de la broche d'entrée/sortie du circuit intégré dans le mode d'entrée,

dans lequel le mode de test comprend l'utilisation de la broche d'entrée/sortie du circuit intégré en tant que sortie (S515, S615, S815) fournissant une seconde valeur (S520, S620, S820) différente de la première valeur pendant une durée définie après l'utilisation de la broche d'entrée/sortie du circuit intégré dans le mode d'entrée, la réception en retour (S520, S625, S822, S824), pendant la durée définie, d'une valeur résultante sur la base de la fourniture de la seconde valeur, la mesure de la valeur résultante (S630, S825), et l'identification d'une erreur (S525, S635, S835) sur la broche d'entrée/sortie du circuit intégré sur la base de la valeur résultante mesurée.

2. Procédé selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre :

la sortie d'une impulsion pour fournir la seconde valeur en tant que valeur d'impulsion de sortie au niveau de la broche d'entrée/sortie utilisée en tant que sortie du circuit intégré dans le mode test ;

la lecture de l'impulsion de sortie en interne pour recevoir en retour la valeur résultante en obtenant la valeur d'impulsion résultante ;

la mesure de la valeur d'impulsion résultante en tant que valeur résultante mesurée ; et

la comparaison de la valeur d'impulsion d'entrée lue à partie de la sortie avec la seconde valeur,

dans lequel l'erreur identifiée est identifiée sur la base de la comparaison.

3. Procédé selon la revendication 1,
dans lequel l'utilisation de la broche d'entrée/sortie du circuit intégré dans le premier mode comprend la lecture de la première valeur à partir d'une première entrée analogique de la broche d'entrée/sortie du circuit intégré après conversion par un convertisseur analogique-numérique ;
dans lequel la commutation dans le mode test comprend la reconfiguration de la broche d'entrée/sortie du circuit intégré en premier lieu pour une sortie numérique dans le mode test après réception de la première entrée analogique reçue ; et
dans lequel la fourniture comprend la définition de la seconde valeur en tant que valeur de sortie numérique pour une sortie à partir de la broche d'entrée/sortie du circuit intégré reconfigurée pour une sortie numérique dans le mode test pendant la durée définie ;
dans lequel le procédé comprenant en outre :

le chargement ou le déchargement d'un condensateur au niveau de la broche d'entrée/sortie du circuit intégré reconfigurée pour une sortie numérique dans le mode test pour maintenir un niveau de tension après la définition de la seconde valeur en tant que valeur de sortie numérique pendant la durée définie ;

la reconfiguration de la broche d'entrée/sortie du circuit intégré, en second lieu, pour une entrée analogique, à nouveau dans le mode test, après la définition de la seconde valeur en tant que valeur de sortie numérique pendant la durée définie ;

la mesure du niveau de tension au niveau de la broche d'entrée/sortie du circuit intégré pour obtenir la valeur résultante mesurée après la conversion par le convertisseur analogique-numérique, et

la comparaison de la valeur résultante mesurée obtenue à partir de la broche d'entrée/sortie du circuit intégré avec la seconde valeur,

dans lequel l'erreur identifiée est identifiée sur la base de la comparaison.

4. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le circuit intégré comprend une microcommande, utilisée pour commander un circuit d'attaque pour diode photoémettrice.

5. Procédé selon la revendication 4,
dans lequel le circuit d'attaque pour diode photoémettrice est conforme aux exigences de classe 2 relatives aux diodes photoémettrices, et
dans lequel la microcommande est conforme à une norme 60730 de Underwriter Laboratories.

6. Procédé selon la revendication 3,
dans lequel l'erreur identifiée indique que l'adressage au multiplexeur d'entrée analogique est erroné.

7. Procédé selon la revendication 6, comprenant en outre :

la conversion de la première entrée analogique reçue et du niveau de tension mesurée en sortie numérique en utilisant le convertisseur analogique-numérique ; et

la définition du fait que la broche d'entrée/sortie du circuit intégré doit être reconfigurée en premier lieu pour une sortie numérique à un HAUT niveau ou un niveau BAS,

dans lequel le condensateur est connecté à la broche d'entrée/sortie du circuit intégré reconfiguré pour une sortie numérique pour maintenir le niveau de tension pendant la durée définie.

8. Procédé selon la revendication 7, comprenant en outre :

la détermination du fait que le niveau de tension mesuré au niveau de la broche d'entrée/sortie du circuit intégré maintenu par le condensateur indique ou non que la broche d'entrée/sortie est définie pour être sur le HAUT niveau ou le niveau BAS, et

l'identification d'une erreur d'adressage au multiplexeur d'entrée analogique sur la base de la détermination et de la comparaison.

9. Circuit de commande pour un circuit d'attaque pour diode photoémettrice, le circuit de commande étant compris dans un circuit intégré,

- dans lequel le circuit intégré inclut le circuit d'attaque pour diode photoémettrice et le circuit de commande comprend un microprocesseur qui peut intervenir pour exécuter des instructions pour détecter des erreurs sur une broche d'entrée/sortie du circuit intégré, la broche d'entrée/sortie du circuit intégré étant reliée à un nœud d'entrée et à une broche d'entrée/sortie du microprocesseur,

- une première résistance (R1, 202, 402) connectée au nœud d'entrée et recevant un signal d'entrée (Vin) dans un mode d'entrée,

- une deuxième résistance (R2, 204, 404) connectée entre une tension de référence (Vref) et le nœud d'entrée

- une troisième résistance (R3, 206, R5, 410) connectée entre une tension nulle et le nœud d'entrée,
dans lequel, lorsqu'elles sont exécutées par le microprocesseur, les instructions amènent le circuit d'attaque pour diode photoémettrice à effectuer un processus comprenant :

l'utilisation de la broche d'entrée/sortie du circuit intégré dans le mode d'entrée en recevant la première valeur en tant que donnée analogique ou donnée numérique ; et

la commutation de la broche d'entrée/sorte du circuit intégré dans un mode de test après chacune parmi une pluralité d'instances d'utilisation de la broche d'entrée/sortie du circuit intégré dans le premier mode,

dans lequel le mode de test comprend l'utilisation de la broche d'entrée/sortie du circuit intégré en tant que sortie fournissant une seconde valeur différente de la première valeur pendant une durée définie après l'utilisation de la broche d'entrée/sortie du circuit intégré dans le mode d'entrée, la réception en retour, pendant la durée définie, d'une valeur résultante sur la base de la fourniture de la seconde valeur, la mesure de la valeur résultante, et l'identification d'une erreur sur la broche d'entrée/sortie du microprocesseur sur la base de la valeur résultante mesurée.

10. Circuit de commande selon la revendication 9,
dans lequel le mode d'entrée est un mode dans lequel le circuit intégré est principalement utilisé.

11. Circuit de commande selon la revendication 9,
dans lequel la broche d'entrée/sortie du circuit intégré est configurée pour une entrée analogique dans le premier mode,
et
dans lequel la commutation comprend la reconfiguration de la broche d'entrée/sortie d'une
configuration pour une entrée analogique vers une configuration pour une sortie numérique.

12. Circuit de commande selon la revendication 9, dans lequel le circuit de commande comprend en outre une quatrième résistance (R7, 422) reliant la broche d'entrée/sortie du circuit intégré au nœud d'entrée.

13. Circuit de commande selon la revendication 9, dans lequel le circuit de commande comprend en outre un condensateur (C2, 422) connecté en parallèle avec la troisième résistance (R5, 410).

14. Circuit de commande selon la revendication 9, dans lequel ledit circuit de commande est dans une section de sortie du circuit d'attaque pour diode photoémettrice et le circuit d'attaque pour diode photoémettrice présente une section de commande principale et la section de sortie isolée de la section de commande principale.

Drawing